From Cairo to the Capstone
4/13/2016 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field, Cross Country
by Carlie Hillinger
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Growing up in Cairo, Egypt, setting a world-leading time while competing for The University of Alabama was just a dream for Crimson Tide senior sprinter Ahmed Ali. However, on April 2 that dream became a reality. During the Florida Relays at Gainesville, Fla., Ali ran the 200-meter dash in 20.16 seconds. Not only did this surpass his personal record by three-tenths of a second, this became the fastest 200-meter time run in the world to that point this year.
"It felt like a dream that hit me out of nowhere when I saw the time," said Ali. "I was just really shocked. I didn't believe it until the clock stayed there for a while, and then it sank in. I ran back to my coach, gave him a huge hug and it was finally a bright light showing through."
Ali's coach, Dion Miller, is Alabama's short sprint coach in his first season with the Crimson Tide. However, Miller has been coaching collegiate track and field for 15 years. Originally from Texas, as well as being a sprinter, Ali and Coach Miller have a strong connection. Coach Miller described Ali as a hard-working, passionate athlete and, as someone who seems to be the ideal teammate.
"Ali is the type of kid who is very serious about his schooling," Miller said. "He's a great student and he's a wonderful kid to have in your program. He is very serious, sometimes I have to even get him to relax a little bit. He's got a loyal soul, he's got the perfect temperament and really does a good job leading the other guys."
Ali began running track in middle school shortly after his family had relocated from Cairo, Egypt, to the Alief area of Houston, Texas. He continued following his passion at Alief Hastings High School. After high school, Ali attended South Plains College, a junior college in Levelland, Texas. It wasn't until the 2014-15 school year that he began running at The Capstone.
"Knowing that there are lot of people who would love to run for The University of Alabama and have a successful future; it's just an honor to actually have the opportunity to represent the crimson and white," said Ali.
Although Ali grew up in Egypt, his native country is Sudan. With his record-breaking time on April 2, he is now a qualifier for the Summer Olympics representing Sudan. After the NCAA Outdoor Championships in June, Ali will be competing in the African Southern Championships in South Africa and then focus his training for the Olympics.
